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Aleix Espargaro: Lidl-Trek confirm former MotoGP rider to join team in 2025 season in special role
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Published 16/12/2024 at 10:04 GMT
Aleix Espargaro retired from MotoGP after three race wins and 255 starts in the sport, and the 35-year-old Spanish veteran has now switched sports after his retirement following the 2024 season. He will now join the Lidl-Trek cycling team from 2025 in an ambassadorial role, though he will continue to help the HCR MotoGP team in their testing process.
Highlights: Espargaro snatches dramatic sprint race win as Bagnaia crashes on final lap
Video credit: TNT Sports
MotoGP rider Aleix Espargaro has joined the Lidl-Trek professional cycling team after stepping away from his previous sport.
Espargaro will perform an ambassadorial role for the outfit from the start of 2025.
However, the Spaniard is scheduled to join the Lidl-Trek team, "at some of the most prestigious events" on the race calendar.
"I’m thrilled to join the Lidl-Trek family, which is home to some of the world’s best cyclists," said Espargaro in a statement.
"I’m excited to learn from some of the best cyclists and staff in the sport, push my limits, and share this special journey with fans."
He continued: "Cycling has been a passion of mine for years, and I decided to step away from MotoGP earlier than planned to join a program which aligns so well with my passion.
"I’m deeply grateful to Lidl-Trek for welcoming me to their family and supporting me. I’ll give it everything I have."
The 35-year-old finished 11th in the MotoGP 2024 championship, having spent seven years with the Aprilia team. He won three GPs over the course of a 15-year career, and made 255 starts.
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He will continue to be involved in MotoGP despite his retirement from racing, as he will be involved in the testing for the HRC outfit.
"Working with Aleix will be incredibly rewarding for us, and especially for our young riders," said Lidl-Trek general manager Luca Guercilena.
"We know he is a strong, passionate cyclist, but he also brings different experiences and perspectives to the team.
"He can help our younger athletes understand and handle the pressures that come with top-level competition."
Stream the 2025 cycling season, including the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes, live on discovery+
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